NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Heartbroken dog owners in our area and across the country, who claim their dogs have died after eating certain dog treats made in China, are sending a warning to others. Robin Pierre said her 2-year-old Pug “Bella” died from kidney failure shortly after eating “Waggin’ Train Chicken Jerky Tenders,” a product made in China and distributed in the U.S. by Nestle Purina. Click here to read more. Photo: CBS 2

Each year close to a billion dollars is spent on flea, tick and mite repellents for our dogs and cats. The thought of our beloveds getting Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever disease from ticks or Sarcoptic Mange from mites, let alone flea infestation resulting in one big itchy household is more than we can deal with. So each year the average family can easily spend well over $200 to protect just ONE pet. This does not even include heartworm medication! While this is obviously tough on the purse, what cost is this having on our pet’s health as well as ours?

Animal lovers, or for that matter any person with an iota of compassion, never get numb to animal abuse. Last month, a Pit Bull puppy, became another tragic example of horrendous animal abuse at the hands of the very person who was supposed to be his guardian. Patrick, so named because he was discovered the day before St. Patrick's Day, was starved, neglected, abused, and then put in a plastic garbage bag and tossed down an apartment garbage chute (a 22-story apartment building - Patrick was thrown down from the 19th floor). When a maintenance worker noticed the bag moving just before he was going to put it in the trash compactor, he found the emaciated body of a puppy near death. Read more...

Check out this amazing story of Wall-E, a puppy who was euthanized in Sulphur, Oklahoma and came back to life. Wall-E was put to sleep along with several other dogs and was found alive in a dumpster the next day. Read more...

Ellie, a King Charles Spaniel, is only a few months old. Due to cataracts, she can only see shadows. But her best friend Leo, a German Shepherd, guides her around and is right by her side to protect her. Everyone needs a best friend like that.

This post originally appeared on Wayne Pacelle's (HSUS) blog, A Humane Nation. I feel loss and sadness, both on a personal and professional level, with the news of the passing of U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, 92. Read More...

Be Kind to Animals Week runs from May 2-8 this year. I know what all you animal lovers like me are thinking out there -- why just one week? Well, you have to give the American Humane Association credit for creating this event because since 1915 they've been trying to make people aware of the importance of being kind to animals. And, maybe - just maybe, if we help them spread the word about how to do this, more people will do it, not just one week of the year, but everyday. Read more...

If anyone had doubts about man's best friend, there's Buddy the hero German shepherd in Alaska who led a State Trooper to the fire at his family's home. When Ben Heinrichs' workshop caught fire he told his dog Buddy "We need to get help." Ben didn't really think his faithful friend would comply, but off Buddy went. Read more...

When we think of Easter, we think of ornate baskets filled with colored eggs, chocolate, marshmallow chicks and, of course, jelly beans. Some people also think of real bunnies and how much fun it would be to get one or perhaps give one as the perfect novelty gift for a child or adult who has everything. Think again. Rabbits do make wonderful pets IF you are prepared for the responsibilities this new bundle of joy will bring.

URGENT CALL TO ACTION -- from Judy Parisi, Editor-in-Chief: I have seen many blogs and forums on the internet ridiculing Congressman McCotter for introducing this bill to help pet guardians. I promised Rep. McCotter that I would do everything I could to help support this bill. While thankful, he said it will be a "steeply uphill battle." Please join me in this battle, as well as the more than 29,000 others who have signed the petition and told our representatives that we support Congressman McCotter and want them to pass this very important bill. CLICK HERE TO SEND A MESSAGE TO YOUR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE.

ABOUT THE BILL: Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (R-Michigan) has introduced H.R. 3501, referred to as the "Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act" which would allow pet owners to take a tax deduction of up to $3,500 yearly for qualified pet care expenses. Read more...

If this story doesn't leave you with a lump in your throat, I don't know what will. This is truly an amazing story of a hopelessly lost dog and the dedicated animal rescuer who helped her find her family.

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) recently examined its 2008 medical claims data to determine the top 10 "human" conditions that also affect pets (specifically dogs and cats). Topping the list are allergies. Here they are in order based on the number of claims VPI received. 1. Allergies. Pets can suffer allergic reactions from flea bite saliva, pollen and other airborne allergens, and foods. Read more...